Anti-Christian Sentiment Grows In Certain Parts Of India

As the number of Indian people choosing to follow Christ grows, so does the intensity of anti-Christian efforts. Christian Aid continues to receive reports, particularly from native ministry leaders in states where anti-conversion laws are implemented or in the works, of persecution and intimidation. Following the February 15 murder of a native gospel worker in Orissa state, missionaries have felt more strongly than ever their vulnerability. Laws meant to stop religious conversions by force or allurement, which extremists claim Christians use, require a potential convert to give local authorities 30 days' notice before officially converting. Leaders of religious groups must also submit a list of potential converts 30 days before any conversions take place. Some laws prohibit religious gatherings without prior permission. Those accused of breaking an anti-conversion law can be sentenced to up to two years in prison or given a $2175 fine. Curiously, Hindu groups in some of these states seem exempt from the laws. Though Rajasthan has not passed an anti- conversion law, a bill is currently being pushed forward in its state government. Despite such opposition, native gospel workers in these areas continue to preach Christ. At the beginning of this year, another ministry began a healthcare program in an Orissa city, aimed at spreading Christ's love to 4,000 of the city's poorest residents. (From Christian Aid Mission)